What is liposuction?
Liposuction (lipoplasty or suction-assisted lipectomy) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that permanently removes localised fat deposits from specific areas of the body. It is the gold-standard technique for reshaping areas where stubborn fat accumulates despite a healthy diet and regular exercise — the abdomen, flanks, inner and outer thighs, hips, upper arms, knees, back, and under the chin. Liposuction does not treat generalised obesity; it is a precision body contouring tool for patients who are at or close to their ideal weight but unhappy with disproportionate fat deposits that disrupt their natural silhouette.
Dr. Galati uses the tumescent liposuction technique — the current gold standard — in which a dilute solution of local anaesthetic and adrenaline is infiltrated into the fat before aspiration. This minimises bleeding, reduces post-operative bruising, and allows precise sculpting. Where indicated, he also uses power-assisted or VASER ultrasound-assisted liposuction for fibrous areas or high-definition contouring, delivering smoother results with faster healing.
Areas that can be treated
- Abdomen: upper and lower abdominal fat, including the periumbilical area
- Flanks and love handles: lateral abdominal fat deposits
- Hips and outer thighs: the classic "saddlebag" area
- Inner thighs and knees: medial thigh excess causing chafing or asymmetry
- Upper arms: localised fat causing fullness in the upper arm area
- Back and bra rolls: fat that bulges around bra straps or in the lower back
- Submental (double chin): fat under the jawline and chin, often combined with neck lifting
- Buttocks: re-shaping without implants
Multiple areas can be treated in the same surgical session, provided the total volume removed remains within safe limits.
Surgical technique
Liposuction is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia depending on the extent of the area to be treated. Very small incisions (3–5 mm) are made in inconspicuous locations; a thin hollow cannula is inserted and used to loosen and aspirate the fat with precise, layered movements. Dr. Galati's technique pays careful attention to skin smoothness and symmetry: fat is removed uniformly to avoid visible irregularities, leaving a sufficiently thick layer of subcutaneous fat to maintain normal skin contour. The incisions are so small they require no sutures and heal to pinpoint scars within a few months.
Recovery timeline
- Days 1–3: significant swelling and bruising; compression garment worn continuously; rest recommended
- Day 5–7: most patients can return to desk work; garment continues
- Week 2–3: bruising resolves; swelling starts to improve; light walking encouraged
- Week 4: strenuous exercise can be gradually reintroduced; garment worn during exercise
- Week 4–6: compression garment discontinued after 4–6 weeks
- Month 3: majority of swelling resolved; contour clearly improved
- Month 6: final, fully stable result
Lymphatic drainage massage, starting from day 5–7, is strongly recommended to accelerate resolution of swelling and improve skin smoothness.
Liposuction in Italy — why choose Dr. Galati?
Italy has a long tradition of excellence in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, and Dr. Galati embodies this tradition through his commitment to precision, safety and natural results. With over 20 years of experience in body contouring, he understands how fat is distributed differently in every patient and applies his technique accordingly — never following a one-size-fits-all approach. His three clinic locations make it easy to plan a procedure with minimal travel inconvenience, whether you are visiting from within Italy or travelling from abroad.
To plan your consultation or enquire about a procedure as an international patient, contact us at info@clinicachirurgiaplastica.it or call +39 320 300 5007.
Frequently asked questions
No. Liposuction is a body contouring procedure designed to remove localised fat deposits disproportionate to the rest of the body. Ideal candidates are at or near their target weight. Significant weight gain after the procedure can diminish results.
The fat cells removed are permanently eliminated. However, remaining fat cells in untreated areas can enlarge with weight gain. Maintaining a stable weight through healthy diet and exercise is essential to preserve long-term results.
Abdomen, flanks, hips, inner and outer thighs, upper arms, back, knees, calves and double chin. Multiple areas can be treated in the same session.
A compression garment is worn for 4–6 weeks. Most patients return to desk work within 5–7 days. Swelling gradually resolves over 3–6 months. Strenuous exercise can resume after 4 weeks. Final body contour is visible at approximately 6 months.